Podcast Summary: For Good with JoJo Simmons
Episode Title: From Burnout to Billions: John Thompson III on Resilience & Redefining Success
Date: September 30, 2025
Guests: John Thompson III (executive coach, author of Stack Your Deck, corporate leader)
Host: Joseph “JoJo” Simmons
Episode Overview
This episode dives deep into personal growth, resilience, redefining success, and the power of intention—especially for those breaking new ground as Black men and leaders. JoJo Simmons sits down with John Thompson III, a billion-dollar exec turned coach, for a vulnerable, practical, and motivating conversation about living authentically after personal valleys, the realities of burnout, building legacy, and using adversity to fuel personal and communal transformation.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. Defining Success On Your Own Terms
- John stresses the importance of creating a personal definition of success, rather than inheriting others’ expectations.
- “What I want to see is individuals who define success on their own terms and then pursue that success relentlessly each day. And they're not concerned about the cards that they're dealt because they know that they can control how they play their hand.” (00:00, 26:58)
2. The Power of Mentorship, Leadership, and Teaching
- John finds purpose in teaching and coaching, emphasizing, “Being a good leader doesn't mean you create followers. It means you create other leaders.” (04:39)
- He underscores the idea that teachers are lifelong learners:
- “The teacher learns the most... If you understand information enough to teach others, you have no choice but to learn it yourself.” (03:24, 05:18)
- Values curiosity and encourages his daughters (and listeners) to always “be smart and ask questions.” (05:18, 06:17)
3. Leadership and Resilience Lessons from Corporate Life
- Success in corporate environments hinges on vision, strategy, communication, and playing to team strengths.
- “Set the vision, build the strategy, communicate often… and continue to compete at a high level.” (07:38)
- Practical tip: Surround yourself with people smarter than you to remain in growth mode.
4. The ACEs Framework (Aces Pillars of Success)
- John’s “Stack Your Deck” book is structured on four pillars:
- Attitude (Ace of Spades): Mindset and response to situations
- Connection (Ace of Clubs): Building strong, strategic networks
- Empowerment (Ace of Hearts): Purpose, following your heart
- Strength (Ace of Diamonds): Leveraging adversity as a growth tool
- Inspiration came from his competitive childhood card games with his grandmother—learning not just to play but to value every “ace” life deals you. (10:10–12:59)
5. Redefining Success After Burnout and Breakdown
- John shares a pivotal mental health crisis in his 20s:
- Burnout led to a psychiatric ward stay, which reshaped his approach toward health, balance, and well-being.
- “I ended up having to take a six month leave of absence from work… what I recognized at that time, while I was really hyper focused on my career … I wasn’t taking care of myself.” (17:24–20:05)
- Now, John keeps five well-being pillars in focus: career, social life, physical health, finances, and community.
6. Overcoming Adversity & Navigating Setbacks
- After being passed over for promotion, John realized he needed to focus on his “whole self” and not external validation:
- “One might think, all right, let me focus on the 2%… but then you realize, you know what? I am a whole. I am 100%.” (21:29)
- Adversity became his launchpad into coaching and writing.
7. Early Experiences of Racism and Shaping Identity
- John recounts his first experience with racism as the only Black kid in school and credits his mother for instilling confidence:
- “While I was different than everyone, I was the special one. I was the chosen one. … That attitude enabled me to go into school with the confidence I needed.” (24:46)
8. Creating Impact & Community Through ACEs
- John’s purpose: “Bringing hope to millions starts with one individual at a time.” (26:58)
- The mission: Build a movement of individuals who show up as their authentic selves and define their own legacy.
9. Transformative Habits: Sobriety, Walking, and Wellness
- John quit alcohol, now walks five miles a day, and credits these habits for unlocking the “Four Cs”: creativity, consistency, clarity, and confidence.
- “All four of those were unlocked when I quit drinking. And it just started with taking a break…” (28:26)
- Practical advice on finding your own “cheat code” for personal performance.
10. The Unexpected Reach of Storytelling
- John shares stories of feedback from unlikely readers—teens and retirees alike.
- “You really don’t know who’s going to take your information and who needs to hear your story at the right time.” (30:52)
- JoJo shares a similar story about touching a teenager’s life through the podcast. (33:14)
11. Financial Literacy as a Path to Legacy
- John links personal finance to intentionality in life:
- “Have a plan and create your legacy… If you don’t put a destination in that GPS, you’re just going to be going aimlessly about life.” (35:20)
12. Future Goals & Advice for Younger Self
- John’s next mountain: starting a podcast, writing more books, and more keynotes. (36:55)
- Advice to his younger self:
- “Life begins at the end of your comfort zone… step outside ...embrace a growth mindset… I don’t win or lose, I win or I learn.” (38:16)
13. Mental Health Practices & The Power of Bookends
- John’s daily routine:
- Morning: exercise (walking), visualization, intentional nutrition
- Night: digital detox, gratitude journaling (doesn’t keep his phone by the bed)
- Encourages building honest, supportive brotherhoods and being intentional about both physical and mental health. (40:21)
- Tip: “How you start your day and how you end your day makes the day worthwhile.”
- Offers to share his “morning energy playlist” with listeners. (41:30)
14. Leaving a Legacy—Final Poetic Call to Action
- John ends with a poem titled “Free," urging listeners to become the ones who spark change:
- “What if I’m the one who holds onto the lighter? It’s time to spark the flame that leads to action… That someday is now, that someone is we. Answer the call and set the world free.” (45:12)
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
- “The best leader isn’t the one that knows everything. The best leader is the one that asks the best questions.” – John Thompson III (06:46)
- “Take the adversity like vitamins—let it build you up.” – John Thompson III (21:29)
- “Do for one what you wish you could do for many.” – John Thompson III (14:03)
- “You don’t got to do it like me, but have a plan. Have a plan and you’ll go a long way.” – JoJo Simmons (35:02)
- “I don’t win or lose, I win or I learn. And I learn so I can win again.” – John Thompson III (38:16)
- “Life begins at the end of your comfort zone. Whatever you are, be a good one and never give up. Always remember, Daddy loves you.” – John Thompson III (38:16)
Timestamps for Important Segments
- Aces Framework & Childhood Lessons: 10:10–12:59
- Discussion of Burnout & Mental Health Breakthrough: 17:24–20:14
- Being Passed Over for Promotion and Finding Strength: 21:29–23:55
- Experiencing Racism and Parental Support: 24:46
- Impact Stories from Book & Podcast: 30:52–33:14
- Financial Planning and Legacy: 35:20
- Advice to Younger Self: 38:16
- Daily Mental Health Routines: 40:21–42:54
- Closing Poem “Free”: 45:12
Where to Find John Thompson III
- Instagram: @ace.johnthompson
- Website (Book): stackyourdeckbook.com
- Coaching Site: goteamaces.com
- LinkedIn: John Thompson III
Tone and Spirit
The episode is candid, reflective, empowering, and rooted in practical wisdom. Both JoJo and John showcase humility, vulnerability, humor, and a passion for real impact—especially when it comes to mental health and generational transformation. The conversation is rich with stories, actionable steps, and heartfelt encouragement, making it not just a podcast but a toolkit for anyone seeking to rise above setbacks and pursue an intentional, purpose-driven legacy.
“That someday is now. That someone is we. Answer the call and set the world free.” – John Thompson III (45:12)